GAC Group: Electrification, Autonomy & Global Expansion

GAC Group's Bold Vision for the Future of Mobility: Electrification, Autonomy, and Global Expansion

GAC Group, one of China's automotive giants, is setting its sights on a future defined by electrification, intelligent driving, and a significant global presence. As NPC representative Feng Xingya, Party Secretary and Chairman of GAC Group, prepares to present proposals at the upcoming National People's Congress in Beijing, the focus is squarely on driving high-quality development within the automotive industry and enhancing societal well-being. This isn't just about building chinese cars; it's about shaping the future of transportation.

Tackling Range Anxiety and Pushing Autonomous Driving Forward

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) presents new challenges, particularly in energy replenishment. Feng Xingya's proposals address this head-on, advocating for a unified national battery swapping standard. Battery swapping, with its potential for rapid refueling, is seen as a key solution to alleviate range anxiety, a concern that plagues many potential EV buyers. Think of it as a pit stop for your electric car, potentially faster than even filling up a gasoline-powered vehicle. He also suggests strengthening subsidies and resource guarantees for battery swapping station operations, coordinating a nationwide network, and refining the regulatory framework for vehicle-battery separation. This top-down approach aims to create a scalable and efficient battery swapping ecosystem.

On the autonomous driving front, Feng Xingya emphasizes the need for improved laws and regulations, a unified national standard and evaluation system, and leveraging "institutional soft power" to support China's "technical hard power." This is crucial for the safe and widespread adoption of self-driving technology. While companies like Tesla are pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving in the US and Europe, GAC Group is determined to be a major player in this space, ensuring that chinese cars are at the forefront of this technological revolution.

GAC's Green Initiatives and Autonomous Driving Prowess

GAC Group is actively addressing range anxiety through its "2⁶ Energy Action," building a charging network with over 24,000 self-operated charging piles across 31 provinces and 211 cities. Some AION models, along with the Hyper GT and Hyper HT, already offer battery swapping options. In 2025, GAC will collaborate with CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), a global leader in battery technology, to expand its battery swapping capabilities. All future GAC AION A-class models, beyond the AION V Home, will be designed to be both chargeable and swappable.

In the realm of autonomous driving and Robotaxis, GAC Group has achieved L4-level pre-installed mass production capabilities through a combination of in-house research, ecological partnerships, and platform operation. Since 2018, GAC has partnered with companies like WeRide, Pony.ai, and Didi Chuxing to accelerate the development and deployment of Robotaxis and Robobuses. The seventh-generation Robotaxi model, jointly developed with Pony.ai and launched in April 2025, boasts a 70% cost reduction compared to its predecessor, paving the way for large-scale commercialization. The new generation Robotaxi—R2, jointly created by GAC AION and Didi Autonomous Driving, was officially delivered on January 23rd. Ruqi Mobility, GAC's travel service company, operates over 300 Robotaxis in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, with over 10,000 operating stations. The company plans to expand to 100 core cities within the next five years, building a Robotaxi fleet of over 10,000 vehicles and a comprehensive operation and maintenance network.

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Embracing the Low-Altitude Economy

GAC Group is also exploring the potential of the low-altitude economy, viewing it as a new engine for economic and social development. Feng Xingya proposes a four-pronged approach to promote its high-quality development: strengthening planning and coordination, improving laws and standards, refining the regulatory mechanism, and expanding application scenarios. This includes creating low-altitude corridors in urban areas and encouraging local governments to open up scenarios in logistics, medical emergency services, and urban transportation.

GAC's flying car brand, GOVY, has already built a factory in Guangzhou and plans to roll out its first aircraft in March 2026. GOVY offers two models: the AirJet composite wing flying car for medium and short-distance travel and the AirCab multi-rotor flying car for urban use. The GOVY AirJet has already obtained a Special Flight Permit, and the AirCab has received nearly 2,000 customer orders and is undergoing airworthiness certification, with deliveries expected by the end of 2026. GOVY is collaborating with companies like Ruqi Mobility and Guangdong Unicom to create a strategic ecosystem and plans to launch a three-dimensional travel demonstration operation in Guangzhou, combining Robotaxis and Robo-airTaxis. In 2027, GOVY aims to launch demonstration operations in 2-3 cities in the Greater Bay Area, building an "air-ground integrated" smart travel service. This positions GAC Group as a pioneer in the emerging flying car market, potentially rivalling concepts from companies like Hyundai and Joby Aviation.

Expanding Global Reach and Influence

China's automobile exports have been booming, ranking first in the world for three consecutive years, reaching 7.098 million vehicles in 2025. Feng Xingya emphasizes the need to promote Chinese standards globally to gain a stronger voice in the automotive industry. He proposes building an overseas compliance service system, promoting the convergence of Chinese standards with international standards, and strengthening the unification of domestic enterprise standards.

GAC Group's global network has expanded to 650 channels in 86 countries and regions, with 5 KD (Knocked Down) factories in Nigeria, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Austria. In 2026, GAC plans to accelerate its coordinated overseas expansion, focusing on product development, channel construction, and operational methods. This aggressive global strategy aims to transform GAC from an "export power" to a "global industry leader," competing directly with established automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors. While chinese cars from brands like BYD, NIO, XPeng, Li Auto, Geely, Chery, and Great Wall are gaining traction globally, GAC is aiming for a leadership position. The BYD Seal, for example, is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, showcasing the increasing sophistication of chinese cars.

Prioritizing People's Livelihood and Well-being

GAC Group is also committed to improving people's quality of life. Feng Xingya's proposals address the rural new energy market and the travel needs of the elderly. He suggests improving the rural charging and battery swapping network, promoting the construction of service outlets, and increasing support for rural automobile consumption. He also advocates for a "digital inclusion + manual backup" travel service model for the elderly, optimizing "elderly mode" in travel applications, and building age-appropriate public facilities.

GAC Group has invested over 3.4 billion CNY in social responsibility initiatives, including rural revitalization, educational assistance, and emergency rescue and disaster relief. This commitment to social responsibility reinforces GAC's position as a responsible corporate citizen.

FAQ

Q: Are chinese cars safe?

A: Safety standards for chinese cars have improved dramatically in recent years. Many models now undergo rigorous testing and meet international safety standards. However, it's always important to research specific models and their safety ratings from reputable organizations like Euro NCAP or IIHS (where available) before making a purchase.

Q: What are the advantages of electric chinese cars?

A: Electric chinese cars often offer competitive pricing, advanced technology, and long driving ranges. Brands like BYD and NIO are known for their innovative battery technology and stylish designs. They can also be more affordable than comparable EVs from established Western brands.

Q: Where can I buy chinese cars in the US/UK?

A: Currently, direct sales of most chinese cars are limited in the US and UK due to regulatory hurdles and import restrictions. However, some brands are exploring partnerships with local distributors or establishing their own sales networks. Keep an eye on industry news for updates on availability and potential import options.